Barnsley: Di Canio keen on Oakwell job

Paulo Di Canio is the latest name to be linked with the vacant manager’s job at Barnsley, writes Neil Goulding.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker has crept on to the Oakwell radar with the club still looking for Danny Wilson’s replacement.

Oldham boss Lee Johnson, former Owls manager Brian Laws, ex Red Craig Hignett and current Swindon Town boss Mark Cooper are all thought to be the club’s shortlist with the Reds facing up to an unwanted relegation battle after a disappointing season in League One.

But The Star understands Di Canio is also interested in the position since being out of work after being sacked by Sunderland in September 2013.

The Italian, who has caused controversy at both of the club’s he has managed, was dismissed by the Black Cats in acrimonious circumstances after a total of just 13 games in charge.

Sunderland CEO Margaret Byrne stated that “brutal and vitriolic” criticism of the first team squad had cost the controversial 46-year-old his job.

However, after a spell in the footballing wilderness, Di Canio is believed to be hungry to return to management. He has also managed Swindon, but courted controversy in his two-year spell with the Robins, as well as plenty of success.

A public spat with a number of players including then goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and striker Leon Clarke contributed to him eventually leaving the club. But financial difficulties was the believed to be the main reasons he resigned from the position in February 2013.

He guided the club to promotion to League One after winning the League Two title.

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